Eriophyes

C.Th.von Siebold, 1851

blister mites

Eriophyes is a of known for inducing formation on plants. Unlike most mites, possess only two pairs of legs rather than four. The genus includes economically significant pests such as Eriophyes dimocarpi, which causes longan in Vietnam, and Eriophyes pyri, the pear leaf blister mite. feed by piercing to access sap, with saliva that triggers distinctive plant growth including blisters, curls, and witches' broom formations.

Eriophyes pyri by no rights reserved, uploaded by Adam Kranz. Used under a CC0 license.

Eriophyes emarginatae by (c) Jared Shorma, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jared Shorma. Used under a CC-BY license.

Eriophyes emarginatae by (c) giantcicada, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by giantcicada. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Eriophyes: /ˌɛr.iˈɒf.i.iːz/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

distinguished from other by possessing only two pairs of legs (most other mites have four pairs). Extremely small body size typical of mites. Specific identification requires microscopic examination and association with and .

Images

Habitat

Within tissue, specifically inside formed on leaves, , or shoots of plants. Some inhabit leaf where gall formation is initiated.

Distribution

distribution with records from Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Australasia, and the Pacific Islands. Specific distribution varies by ; Eriophyes pyri occurs across multiple continents including Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia, and Australasia.

Diet

sap obtained by piercing plant . Feeding occurs within on leaf tissue, , or shoots.

Host Associations

Dimocarpus longan - Eriophyes dimocarpi causes
Lycium chinense - Eriophyes kuko
Mangifera indica - Eriophyes mangiferae, mango associated with malformation
Medicago sativa - Eriophyes medicaginis causes on alfalfa
Pyrus spp. - Eriophyes pyri, pear leaf blister
Malus spp. - Eriophyes pyri also attacks apple
Prunus spp. - Eriophyes pyri also attacks plum

Life Cycle

Six developmental stages observed in Eriophyes kuko: , , nymphochrysalis, , teleiochrysalis, and . Development from egg to adult averages 7.5 days in June for this . adults emerge from on mature leaves, disperse by crawling or wind to stems, climb to young leaves, and induce new gall formation where they mature and reproduce.

Behavior

Induces formation on plants through salivary secretions that alter growth. Galls typically form along leaf or in . occurs via crawling or wind transport from mature to young plant tissue. Some show high during specific periods; Eriophyes medicaginis reaches peak from mid-September to mid-March in Greece.

Ecological Role

-forming that manipulates tissue development. Creates protected microhabitats within plant structures. Eriophyes dimocarpi serves as for the Celastrina serotina, one of few known .

Human Relevance

Significant agricultural pests causing substantial . Eriophyes dimocarpi threatens longan production in Vietnam's Mekong Delta, with potential to spread to rambutan. Eriophyes mangiferae associated with mango malformation . Eriophyes pyri damages pear, apple, and plum orchards globally. Control methods include sulfur, , petroleum oil, and biological agents such as . Phostoxin has been evaluated for control in mango .

Similar Taxa

Other Eriophyidae generaSimilar microscopic size and -forming habit; distinguished by leg number (two pairs in Eriophyes versus variable in related ) and specific gall on particular plants
Aprostocetus eriophyesHomonym confusion: this is a (), not a ; belongs to entirely different (/ versus Arachnida/)